Saint Eir Clinic Accused of Secret Filming, Public Cameras Found in Consultation Rooms by Taipei Police

Central News Agency

(Central News Agency reporter Liu Chien-pang, Chen Yu-ting, Shen Pei-yao, Taipei 9th) A citizen reported to Taipei police that they suspected being secretly filmed during a visit to Saint Eir Clinic. Police investigations found publicly installed cameras in consultation rooms and other areas. After questioning, the case was referred to prosecutors for investigation. Saint Eir Clinic issued a statement through Yang Ding International Law Firm, emphasizing that to prevent potential future medical disputes and protect the rights of both the clinic and consumers, they adhere to the Personal Data Protection Act and relevant regulations of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. They stated that all audio and video recordings are conducted only after obtaining explicit written consent from each consumer before the treatment, and the retention period is one month after the treatment ends.

The statement also mentioned that due to recent secret filming cases involving the I-Mei Group, some consumers have been uneasy and requested Saint Eir Clinic to delete audio and video recordings made during their treatments. Saint Eir Clinic has deleted all audio and video recordings in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act, but has retained backend records of the images for inspection by law enforcement agencies, in compliance with legal requirements.

The statement further declared, "Saint Eir Medical Aesthetic Group can withstand scrutiny."

An official from the Taipei City Department of Health told the media via phone that they received a police notification for assistance on this case at noon today and will cooperate with the handling of the matter. This clinic has two branches in Taipei City. According to regulations issued by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, if a hospital needs to record audio or video, it should be agreed upon by both the medical professional and the patient, and it is best to sign a written consent form.

The Zhongzheng First Precinct of the Taipei City Police Department stated in a press release that they received a report at around 8 PM on the 8th. A citizen claimed to have been recorded during a medical aesthetic treatment and was concerned that the clinic might be infringing on sexual privacy and destroying evidence, thus reporting the case to the police.

Police stated that after receiving the report, they requested the Taipei District Prosecutors Office to investigate. Today at noon, a special task force searched the clinic. Upon arrival, they used an infrared anti-pinhole detector to conduct a comprehensive inspection and secure relevant evidence.

Police said that accompanied by the clinic's appointed lawyer, they conducted an on-site investigation and found publicly installed cameras in consultation rooms and other areas, with lenses facing towards the patient beds. A simultaneous inspection of other locations within the clinic initially found no pinhole cameras or signs of removal or other abnormalities.

Police have notified the person in charge of the clinic to accept the investigation and do not rule out investigating for offenses such as infringement of sexual privacy, infringement of secrets, and violations of the Medical Care Act. The person in charge of Saint Eir Clinic voluntarily went to the police station with a lawyer in the afternoon to provide an explanation. After police questioning, the case was referred to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office for investigation according to law. (Editor: Huang Ming-hsi) 1150509

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